Mariners take Farris in Rule 5 draft

Nashville -- It certainly was no shock when Seattle took Brewers second base prospect Eric Farris in the Triple-A phase of the Rule 5 draft on Thursday morning.

For one, the Brewers put Farris in position to get an opportunity with another club by putting him on the Class AA Huntsville roster. For another, Seattle has picked off many Brewers minor leaguers in recent years since former scouting director Jack Zduriencik left to become the Mariners' general manager.

"Not surprising, was it?" said Brewers assistant GM Gord Ash.

The Brewers did not take a player in the major league phase of the Rule 5 draft, nor did they lose one. They had their eye on a specific player but Brewers director of pro scouting Zack Minasian indicated he went among the first picks. The Brewers had the 16th pick.

"I won't say who he is in case he becomes available later," said Minisian.

The first four players taken were pitchers - right-handers Josh Fields, Hector Rondon and Ryan Pressley, and lefty Daniel Rosenbaum.

So, the winter meetings are wrapping up and Ash said the Brewers have nothing on the front burner at present as far as acquisitions.

"Not unless there's a U-turn somewhere," said Ash.

About Tom Haudricourt

Tom Haudricourt covers the Brewers and Major League Baseball. He was voted Wisconsin Sports Writer of Year for 2011 and 2012 by National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association.